Identity theft happens all too frequently. A few careless mistakes with your personal information and you could be in the clutches of an ID thief. How do you prevent identity theft and fraud from happening to you? Here are 10 steps to safeguard your personal information and make sure ne’er do wells don’t snatch your credit identity.

he holiday spirit seems to conjure up the criminal spirit too, as the holidays often see a spike in the amount of identity theft, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. With more people shopping online, the increased pool of victims seems to lure out identity thieves right along with those out for a shopping spree. Since you are at more risk during the holiday season than you are at other times of the year, take some necessary precautions to further protect your identity, your credit and your money.

Millions of Americans fall prey to identity theft each year, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). When you get the frightening call or become aware that you are one of these victims, it’s important to spring into action quickly to correct the damage that’s been done and prevent further damage.

Identity theft is one of the most prevalent problems in today’s cyber world. People are desperate for money and will do anything to find it. The Internet has brought many benefits to the world as a whole, but it has also opened a new venue for those who want to steal identities and take your money for their own. Here are five ways to protect yourself.